Milwaukee, WI – The Texas Stars (1-1) defeated the Milwaukee Admirals (1-1) 3-1 in Game 2 of the West Division Semifinal on Saturday night in front of 6,819 fans at the Bradley Center. Trailing 1-0 heading into the second period, the Stars scored the final three goals to tie the series 1-1. Texas goalie Richard Bachman (1-1) stopped 29 shots in his first career Calder Cup Playoff victory. Texas centers Travis Morin and Aaron Gagnon, as well as defenseman Philip Larsen each had a goal in the win. Right wing Raymond Sawada set up the final two goals for the Stars. Milwaukee goalie Jeremy Smith (1-1) made 26 saves in the defeat. Defenseman Teemu Laakso scored the Admirals’ lone goal. The series shifts to Cedar Park Center for Game 3 at 7:30 PM on Tuesday.

Milwaukee capitalized on its third power play of the night at 11:17 of the opening frame. The Admirals pushed ahead with a five-on-three, power-play goal by defenseman Teemu Laakso. Fellow defender Roman Josi set up Laakso, who blasted a one-timer through traffic and past Stars goalie Richard Bachman. Gabriel Bourque also added an assist on the only goal of the first period and a 1-0 Milwaukee lead.

The Stars scored two goals in less than three minutes in the later half of the second period, claiming their first lead of the night. Texas defenseman Philip Larsen started the rally, redirecting a centering pass into the back of the Milwaukee net. Larsen’s first career Calder Cup Playoff goal was set up Travis Morin and Raymond Sawada. The power-play goal tied the game 1-1. Just 2:42 later, Texas beat Milwaukee goalie Jeremy Smith a second time to take a 2-1 lead. Aaron Gagnon tipped a loose puck in the Admirals’ crease past Smith for his second goal of the playoffs at 15:34 of the second period. Defenseman Brendan Dillon and right wing Tomas Vincour each had their first career Calder Cup Playoff points with an assist on the play.

In the third period, Texas added an insurance goal at 4:03 with a power-play tally by center Travis Morin. Raymond Sawada made a nifty pass from behind the net to set up the goal by Morin, his first of the playoffs. Defenseman Dan Spang added an assist on the play that pushed Texas in front 3-1.

West Division semifinal (best of seven)

Texas and Milwaukee Radio

Game 1: Texas 2 at Milwaukee 5 1530 AM

Game 2: Texas 3 at Milwaukee 1 (Series tied 1-1) 1530 AM

Game 3: Milwaukee at Texas on Tuesday, April 19 at 7:30 PM 1530 AM

Game 4: Milwaukee at Texas on Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30 PM 1530 AM

Game 5: Milwaukee at Texas on Friday, April 22 at 7:30 PM 1530 AM

Game 6: Texas at Milwaukee on Monday, April 25 at 7:00 PM -X 1530 AM

Game 7: Texas at Milwaukee on Tuesday, April 26 at 7:00 PM -X 1530 AM

X – If Necessary

The Texas Stars will host Game 3 on Tuesday, April 19th at 7:30 PM and Game 4 on Wednesday, April 20th at 7:30 PM at Cedar Park Center. Tuesday night is an H-E-B Night, as fans may bring any H-E-B branded non-perishable food item to the Cedar Park Center box office for a $5.00 discount. All three homes games will be 3-2-1 nights, with $3.00 domestic drafts, $2.00 sodas and $1.00 hot dogs. Game 5 is Friday, April 22nd at 7:30 PM at Cedar Park Center. The best of seven series shifts to Milwaukee for Game 6 and Game 7 if needed. Fans looking for tickets to see the Stars defend their Western Conference crown may call 512 GO-STARS to purchase a playoff strip, which includes tickets for every Texas Stars playoff home game at Cedar Park Center.